WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University police are investigating a reported case of indecent exposure and prank phone calls being made to female residents in Hillenbrand Residence Hall.

According to a police report, a student finished doing her laundry around 3 p.m. Monday (Jan. 28) in the residence hall’s basement when she entered an elevator located in the women’s wing. She turned to face the door and saw a white male standing in the hallway in front of the elevator with his jeans pulled down to his thighs and masturbating. The suspect was covering his face with a magazine. The elevator door closed, and the woman was able to leave without further incident, said Lt. Fred Davis.

Numerous women in the residence hall also have reported receiving prank calls, Davis said. According to a police report, the caller or callers have been hanging up or breathing heavily into the receiver when the phone is answered. The calls have been coming at all hours of the day, Davis said.

“Anyone who sees a person acting suspiciously should leave if they can and call us immediately,” Davis said. “Anyone receiving any of these calls should also contact us.”

The police department’s number is (765) 494-8221.

Charges for indecent exposure can range from a misdemeanor to a felony.